Lawrence County Continues Building For the Future

Cody Hatten
Lawrence Economic Development Corporation (LEDC)

Even though cost of construction materials is at an all-time high, the need for quality speculative buildings in Ohio is necessary to keep a competitive edge in manufacturing and distribution opportunities. Thanks to the partnerships of entities like JobsOhio and the Ohio Department of Development, Lawrence County has been able to succeed on that front. Through the support of these organizations, the development of Lawrence County’s Point Industrial Park “Spec 13” has begun.

The Lawrence Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) has focused heavily on continuing its operation of creating new facilities, ensuring that schedules are met quickly and efficiently. While LEDC has been focusing on addressing the needs of businesses in the county affected by Covid-19, the emphasis on building new opportunities has not shifted. This strategy is key for fostering opportunities in advanced manufacturing and distribution and is vital in sustaining long-term growth in Ohio’s southern region.

With the new “Spec 13” site, the LEDC team is also expanding on opportunities for business retention & expansion efforts in Southern Ohio. The Point Industrial Park, first created in 2004, is home to over twenty businesses, some local and others part of national and international corporations. Jeremy Clay, Associate Executive Director of LEDC and Director of The Point Industrial Park, knows the advantage of developing these buildings well in advance. “The market is always changing, and competition to get businesses into Ohio has never been greater” Jeremy said. “By constructing these facilities, whether company leaders are actively looking for space or just in the infancy of their expansion planning, we are proactive by providing spaces that are readily available to move in the next day.”

Rising building costs are not the only issues companies currently face. With large metro areas facing heavy labor shortages, this presents a threat to potential business growth. Lawrence County has invested greatly in ensuring local workforce training opportunities are available, as well as continually coordinating with state entities to provide local workers with new workforce training courses and certifications. This, coupled with the aforementioned top-quality buildings, positions Southern Ohio as a premier location for companies seeking to get into a different labor market, but still wanting to expand in the state of Ohio long-term.

As the county continues to combat the hardships brought upon by Covid-19, Lawrence County remains committed to creating new opportunities in allowing businesses, both new and familiar, the opportunity to grow and succeed.